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GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF NURSING
MSN GRADUATE PROGRAM
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Revised Fall 2015
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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DEPARTMENT CODE 37
Revised, Fall 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mission & Purpose ....................................................................................................................... 4-5
Philosophy & Organizing Framework .............................................................................................5
Student Bill of Rights.....................................................................................................................13
Curriculum Requirements (FNP Option & Nurse Educator Option).............................................14
School of Nursing Graduate Program Policies
Accreditation Status. ......................................................................................................................16
Academic Dishonesty ....................................................................................................................16
Admission Requirements ...............................................................................................................17
Regular admission ..........................................................................................................................17
Provisional Admission ...................................................................................................................18
Conditional Admission ..................................................................................................................18
Advisement ....................................................................................................................................18
Attendance .....................................................................................................................................18
Clinical Attendance ........................................................................................................................19
Carry Over Clinical Hours……………………………………………………………………….19
Clinical Requirements ....................................................................................................................20
Clinical Site Selection ………………………………………………………………………… 20
Clinical Preceptor Selection………………………………………………………………… 21
Comprehensive Examination .........................................................................................................21
Confidentiality ...............................................................................................................................22
Credit By Proficiency Examination ...............................................................................................22
Credit By Transfer .........................................................................................................................22
Dress Code .....................................................................................................................................23
Equipment Policy ...........................................................................................................................23
Grievance and Appeals Process ............................................................................................... 24-25
Graduate School Requirements......................................................................................................26
Formal Admission to Department ..................................................................................................26
Plan of Study ..................................................................................................................................26
Admission to Candidacy ................................................................................................................26
Application for Graduate Degree ...................................................................................................26
Lab Policies ....................................................................................................................................27
Computer Lab ................................................................................................................................27
Learning Resource Center ..............................................................................................................27
Clinical Lab (campus) ....................................................................................................................27
Progression Policy .........................................................................................................................28
Probation/Suspension/Dismissal Policy.........................................................................................29
Returning Students……………………………………………………………………………… 29
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Student Health and Welfare ...........................................................................................................30
Student Representation ..................................................................................................................30
Students With Disabilities Policy ..................................................................................................31
Substance Abuse Policy ........................................................................................................... 33-35
Textbooks .......................................................................................................................................35
Thesis/Research Project .................................................................................................................36
Transportation Policy .....................................................................................................................36
Universal Precautions Policy .........................................................................................................36
Make-Up Tests ...............................................................................................................................36
Review Course ..............................................................................................................................36
Appendix
Curriculum Plan ....................................................................................................................... 37-42
Course Descriptions ................................................................................................................. 43-48
Grievance Form .............................................................................................................................49
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
MISSION AND PURPOSES
Founded in 1901 as a private industrial school to educate African American citizens of
north central Louisiana, Grambling State University, a constituent institution in the University of
Louisiana System, is now a comprehensive university offering undergraduate, graduate,
professional and continuing educational programs. All programs are designed to meet the
educational needs of a clientele that is primarily statewide and secondarily national and
international.
Grambling State University assumes in a unique way the role of a public university. It
strives:
1. to provide equal access to higher education for all applicants regardless of race, color,
sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, and veteran status;
2. to provide opportunities for students to develop intellectually, to acquire appropriate
job skills, and to achieve self actualization through instruction, research, public
service, and special programs which seek to meet the needs of all students,
including those who have been adversely affected by educational, social, and
economic deprivation;
3. to generate new knowledge through pure and applied research related to curricular
emphases in business, science and technology, nursing, social work, liberal arts,
and education;
4. to render service to the community and to the citizenry of Louisiana, dedicated to
raising the standard of living and enhancing the quality of life through economic
development, entrepreneurial activities and life-long learning;
5. to expose students to opportunities that enhance their potential for appreciation of
diverse cultures;
6. to provide opportunities for students to utilize information technologies in preparation
for participation in a global society; and
7. to serve as a repository for preserving the heritage of people of African American
descent.
Grambling State University endeavors to achieve excellence in higher education through
teaching, research, and service governed by the principles of academic freedom. The university
believes that education is the cornerstone of an enlightened, creative, and productive society. It
strives to be true to its motto: Grambling State University is “The Place Where Everybody is
Somebody”.
SACS ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
Grambling State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097;
telephone number 404-679-4501) to award associate, baccalaureate, master=s and doctoral
degrees.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF NURSING
MSN GRADUATE PROGRAM
MISSION AND PURPOSES
The Grambling State University mission statement evokes the philosophy that education is the
cornerstone of a creative, enlightened, participative, and responsive society. In the School of
Nursing Graduate Program students are encouraged to think critically, nurture healthy mental
and physical habits, understand social institutions and their influence in society, and integrate
knowledge acquired in advanced practice nursing roles.
The mission of the School of Nursing Graduate Nursing Program is to provide advanced
knowledge, intellectual skills, and clinical competence for specialization in nursing practice.
The mission of the FNP Program is to prepare graduates to deliver primary health care to
individuals, families, and aggregates with a particular focus on the promotion of wellness
and disease prevention for clients in underserved rural and community areas.
The mission of the PNP Program is to prepare graduates who can deliver primary health
care in school based health clinics, private pediatric practices, and public health pediatric
practice sites across the state to provide quality health interventions for infants, toddlers,
school aged children, and adolescents.
The mission of the Nurse Educator Program is to prepare nurse educators for the nurse
educator role in university, college, or health care agency setting.
PHILOSOPHY
The School of Nursing is consistent with the University philosophy through the programs foci on
the nursing and health care needs of the population in the Grambling service area. Nursing
students in the graduate program are encouraged to continue to utilize and refine critical thinking
skills through didactic discussion in classrooms and clinical practice situations. Students learn to
utilize a holistic approach to client care, incorporating data assimilated from assessment of
physical, mental, social, spiritual, and family systems of the client.
Graduate nursing education includes instruction, which focuses on the ethnic, cultural, and social
content needed for students to make accurate clinical decisions and deliver care in a manner
congruent with national standards and acceptable to the population of the rural area it serves.
Nursing theorists and research provide a foundation for the development and integration of
theoretical frameworks of practice for students matriculating through the program. The faculty of
the School of Nursing, in keeping with the mission of the University, provide an environment for
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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learning, which enables students to maximize their learning potential. Commitment to total
student development is promoted through an atmosphere conducive to human dignity, respect,
and productivity. Graduate students are prepared for life-long learning, self-actualization, and
service to the community.
Beliefs of the faculty of the Grambling State University School of Nursing regarding the
concepts of individuals, family, aggregates, society, health, nursing, and teaching/learning are
expounded as follows:
INDIVIDUAL
The individual is a multidimensional being, inclusive of biological, psychosocial, cultural, and
spiritual aspects. Each individual operates in an open system in constant interaction with a
dynamic environment. Although individuals share common characteristics and needs, each
individual is unique, with dignity and equal rights, and is an integral part of family, group, and
community systems of society. The individual utilizes adaptive mechanisms in response to
internal and external environmental changes. These adaptive mechanisms are innate and acquired
from the biological, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual aspects of one’s environment.
Successful utilization of adaptive mechanisms enables the individual to achieve specific life
tasks and fulfill basic needs.
FAMILY
A family is a group of two or more individuals whose association is characterized by special
terms, who function in such a way that they consider themselves to be a family by their
interactions, communication, and sharing of a common culture. Family nursing includes a focus
on family dynamics and family interventions, which involve the family members in the areas of
decision making and caregiving for members of the family unit. Family health nurses see the
family as a context, as a sum of its members, and as a whole client.
AGGREGATES
An aggregate is a grouping of individuals, families, or others who are associated because of
similar social, personal, health care, or other needs or interests. For advanced practice nurses,
care of aggregate populations relates to health promotion, disease prevention, and wellness care
for groups of patients with similar health care needs, i.e. a group of individuals with a diagnosis
of HIV/AIDS, or a group of individuals with mental health care needs.
SOCIETY
Society’s components are considered to be multi-variant with respect to ethnic origin, culture and
socioeconomic status. Students served at Grambling State University and the School of Nursing
are derived from this multi-variant society. Society influences all individuals and enables them to
exercise a choice in promoting personal, professional, and community welfare. In a democratic
society, dignity of the individual is respected regardless of race, gender, creed, or status.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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HEALTH
Health is believed to be a relative state that is dynamic and consists of a degree of wellness and
illness along a continuum. Illness is visualized as the maladaptive response to stressors, whereas
wellness is seen as the ability of the individual to cope with stressors through the adaptation
process. These concepts encompass individuals, families, and communities. Graduate nursing
students focus on the promotion of wellness and prevention of illness throughout the course of
study. Individuals and family groups will be taught adaptive means to cope with stressors of
illness to enable them to return to an optimal level of health.
NURSING
The American Nurses Association (1980) defines nursing as the diagnosis and treatment of
human responses to actual and potential problems. Graduate nursing students utilize the nursing
process to identify diagnoses and treatment interventions for individuals seeking health care in
the primary care setting. The graduate nursing education program in the Family Nurse
Practitioner option builds on knowledge acquired through basic nursing preparation and clinical
experiences to prepare advanced practice nurses capable of providing primary health care for
individuals, families, and communities.
Primary health care involves the provision of health care services in an accessible manner, which
addresses the personal health care needs of an identified population. Advanced practice nurses
engage in the nursing process with defined advanced practice nursing skills and competencies to
diagnose and treat primary health care needs. In primary care, the advanced practice nurse
utilizes a holistic approach to address illness, promote wellness, and prevent disease. Core
competencies of the advanced practice nursing role include: (a) clinical practice expertise; (b)
expert guidance and teaching; (c) consultation; (d) research utilization; (e) leadership; (f)
collaboration; (g) change agent skills; and (h) ethical decision making skills.
In keeping with the University mission to meet the needs of the citizens of the north central
region of Louisiana, the graduate nursing program focuses on the issues and challenges of rural
health care delivery. Rural nursing is unique in that it requires advanced practice nurses who
have highly developed levels of assessment, decision making, and communication skills, as well
as the ability to understand the role of family in health care decisions. Many clients in rural areas
have limited access to health care resources due to restricted transportation and other resources.
Advanced practice nurses in partnership with persons, families, groups, and communities engage
in the dynamic process of wellness promotion.
The overall focus of the graduate nursing program is wellness promotion, or enabling clients to
have control over their own health situations. Through primary prevention in health education
and protection from illness and injury; secondary prevention, which attempts to limit illness; and
tertiary preventions involving rehabilitation and restoration of wellness, the graduate nurse
identifies specific therapeutic interventions to promote wellness for the clients served.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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TEACHING/LEARNING
Teaching is a process, which includes the imparting of knowledge, skills, and/or attitudes to the
learner, with the teacher as facilitator. Learning is a process of growth and maturation involving
the whole person in an active and creative process. Learning has occurred when there is a
demonstration of change in the learner’s behavior.
ORGANIZING FRAMEWORK
The graduate nursing program builds upon the organizing framework of the baccalaureate
program, which is based on the nursing process and the Modeling and Role Modeling theory
(MRM). Within the framework of the MRM theory, faculty members utilize skills of nurturance,
unconditional acceptance, and facilitation to enable graduate nursing students to achieve
academic success in their matriculation through the curriculum plan. Advanced practice nursing
students consistently utilize a problem oriented process to gather and assimilate client data,
identify nursing and medical diagnoses, establish a management guideline-based plan of
treatment, and conduct evaluation of client outcomes. Practitioners of nursing impact the health
care of individuals, families, and communities to promote health lifestyles and prevent illness.
The wellness promotion process involves collaboration and communication among nurses,
physicians, families, groups, and communities to meet identified goals. The faculty of the
graduate nursing program believe that the achievement of these goals are enhanced by the
following enabling factors:
Human caring in nursing is a set of interpersonal acts that extend beyond concern,
emotion, and benevolent desire. Caring in this context involves values, commitment, knowledge,
actions, and outcomes.
Communication within the context of nursing is a dynamic, interpersonal process, which
can be either verbal or non-verbal and is influenced by culture, setting, values, beliefs, and
perceptions. Graduate nursing students engage in increasingly complex levels of communication
skills throughout the program of study.
Ethical principles that include autonomy, freedom, veracity, privacy, fidelity, and justice
are used to clarify and resolve identified ethical dilemmas. The American Nurses Association
Code for Nurses provides guidelines for ethical nursing practice.
Critical thinking is the process, which employs purposeful, interactive, reflective and
reasoning skills to evaluate clinical situations. Graduate nursing students are encouraged to
demonstrate open-mindedness, truth seeking, and maturity as they engage in critical thinking
activities in the classroom and clinical settings.
Empowerment is an interpersonal process by which the recipient is provided with
resources to participate in their own enhancement. Graduate nursing faculty strive to empower
advanced practice nursing students with critical thinking abilities to enable them to function
effectively in primary health care settings. Advanced practice nurses empower clients to be
active participants in their own wellness promotion activities and decision making.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Research involves a process of scientific inquiry and problem investigation to validate
theories related to health care interventions and hypotheses regarding approaches to client care.
Graduate nursing students are expected to participate actively in research activities, as well as to
demonstrate integration of research findings in their advanced practice nursing care.
Cultural sensitivity in nursing takes into account the individual person’s perceptions
manifested though beliefs, practices, likes, dislikes, customs, etc. which have been handed down
from generation to generation.
Graduate nursing faculty employ the theoretical works of Patricia Benner’s Novice to
Expert in the development of course content from the fundamental to the complex level.
Experienced BSN nursing graduates are prepared in the role of novice advanced practice nurses
and strive toward basic competence in the FNP and PNP roles. Competencies and scope of
practice identified by the American Nurses Association for advanced practice nurses are utilized
in planning course content and evaluation of student performance. Course content guidelines
published by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties Curriculum Guideline
Task Force (1995, 2003, 2011, 2014), the American Nurses Association Scope and Standards of
Advanced Registered Nursing (1996), the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s
Essentials of Master’s Education for Advanced Practice Nursing (2011). The National Task
Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education’s Criteria for Evaluation of Nurse Practitioner
Programs (2008) and Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Competencies in Specialty Areas (2011)
US Department HHS are utilized in program design.
Graduate Student Learning Outcomes (SLO’s)
Upon completion of the MSN degree work, the graduate student is expected to:
1. Integrate scientific findings from nursing, bio-psychosocial fields, genetics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences for the continual improvement of nursing care across diverse settings.
2. Incorporate leadership skills that emphasize ethical and critical decision making, effective working relationships, and a systems perspective
3. Articulate methods, tools, performance measures and standards related to quality, as well as prepared to apply quality principles within an organization
4. Apply research outcomes within practice setting, resolve practice problems, work as a change agent and disseminate results
5. Utilize patient care technologies to deliver and enhance care, and utilize communication technologies to integrate and coordinate care
6. Intervene at the systems level through policy development processes and employ strategies to advocate for health and health care
7. Participate as a member and leader of inter-professional teams, communicate, collaborate, and consult with other health professionals to manage and coordinate care
8. Apply and integrate broad organizational, client centered and culturally appropriate concepts in the planning, delivery, management and evaluation of evidence based
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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clinical prevention and population care for services to individuals, families, communities, and aggregates/clinical populations
9. Recognize that master’s prepared nursing practice is broadly defined as any form of nursing intervention that influences health care outcomes for individuals, populations, or systems, with an advanced level of understanding of nursing and related sciences for both direct and indirect care components.
MSN Essentials, March 2011
The graduate nursing programs Family Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse
Practitioner options at Grambling State University seeks to prepare advanced practice nurses
capable of:
Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies (NONPF April 2014)
1. Scientific Foundation Competencies
a. Graduates will critically analyze data and evidence for nursing practice
b. Integrate knowledge from humanities and sciences
c. Translate research and other knowledge to improve practice processes
d. Develop new practice approaches based on the integration of research, theory, and
practice knowledge
2. Leadership Competencies
a. Graduates will assume complex and advanced leadership roles, guide change,
foster collaboration with multiple stakeholders, advocate for improved access,
quality, and cost effective health care, and demonstrate leadership with critical
and reflective thinking.
3. Quality Competencies
a. Graduates will utilize best available evidence to guide practice
b. Graduates will evaluate relationships of access, cost, quality and safety on health
care
c. Evaluate organizational structures, care processes, financing, policy decisions,
and variations in practice to ensure quality care
4. Practice Inquiry Competencies
a. Leads practice inquiry, disseminates evidence from inquiry, applies clinical
investigative skills to improve health outcomes
5. Technology and Information Literacy Competencies
a. Integrates technologies for knowledge management to improve health and aid in
complex decision making
b. Utilizes technology to capture data on variables for evaluation of nursing
6. Policy Competencies
a. Demonstrates understanding of policy and practice interdependence, analyzes
ethical, legal and social factors that promote access, equity, quality and cost
b. Advocates for ethical policies, contributes to development of health policy
7. Health Delivery System Competencies
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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a. Effects health care change through negotiation, consensus building, and
partnering
b. Facilitates development of health care systems that address needs of culturally
diverse populations, providers, and other stakeholders
c. Analyzes organizational structure, functions, and resources to improve the
delivery of care
8. Ethics Competencies
a. Integrates ethical principles and applies ethically sound solutions to complex
issues
9. Independent Practice Competencies
a. Functions as a licensed independent practitioner with a high level of
accountability for professional practice
b. Provides patient centered care recognizing cultural diversity and the patient as a
full partner in decision making
There are three distinct nurse educator roles identified in the literature: the teacher role,
the scholar role, and the collaborator role. Graduate competencies are identified for each of these
roles. Students enrolled in the Nurse Educator program will be capable of the following
competencies:
Nurse Educator Competencies (NLN)
1. Facilitate Teaching
2. Facilitate Learner Development and Socialization
3. Use Assessment and Evaluation Strategies
4. Participate in Curriculum Design and Evaluation of Program Outcomes
5. Function as a Change Agent and Leader
6. Pursue Continuous Quality Improvement in the Nurse Educator Role
7. Engage in Scholarship
8. Function Within the Educational Environment
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Core
Graduate
Courses
Research
Functional
Role
ConsultationCollaboration
Guidance
Counseling
Leadership
Nurse Educator Nurse Practitioner
Core Graduate Courses
NUR 501 Adv Nsg Theory
NUR 503 Adv Nsg Research
NUR 505 Adv Pathophysiology
NUR 540 Adv Health Assessment
NUR 552 Adv Pharmacotherapeutics
NUR 590 Thesis
Core Advanced Practice:
NUR 507 Issues/Trends
NUR 535 N. Educator Role
NUR 510/512 Clinical
NUR 514/516 Clinical
Core Speciality:
NUR 530 Educational Found
NUR 532 Curriculum Develop
NUR 534 Teaching Methodology
NUR 536 Practicum
MSN Program Curriculum Overview
Core Graduate Courses:
NUR 501 Adv Nsg Theory
NUR 503 Adv Nsg Research
NUR 505 Adv Pathophys
NUR 540 Adv Assessment
NUR 552 Adv Pharm
NUR 590 Thesis
Core Advanced Practice
NUR 541 NP: Role I
NUR 543 Rural Health
NUR 545 Family Dyn
NUR 547 NP: Role II
Core Specialty Practice FNP
NUR 542 NP: Mgt I
NUR 544 NP: Mgt II
NUR 546 NP: Mgt III
NUR 548 NP: Mgt IV
Adapted with permission from:
Hamric, A. B., Spross, J. A. & Hanson, C.M. (1999). Advanced Nrusing Practice: An integrative approach (2nd ed.) Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders, Co.
Core Specialty PNP
NUR 572 PNP: Mgt I
NUR 574 PNP: Mgt II
NUR 576 PNP: Mgt III
NUR 578 PNP Mgt IV
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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STUDENT BILL OF RIGHTS
The faculty and students of the GSU School of Nursing graduate program declare that students
have the following rights:
1. Access to a quality education.
2. Treatment that is respectful and fair.
3. Equal treatment regardless of race, color, sex, age, or religion.
4. Representation on faculty committees and faculty meetings.
5. Freedom to express differing views of their classmates and faculty without fear of
retribution.
6. Access to appeal procedures through University processes.
7. Confidentiality of all records.
8. Access to the Dean of the School of Nursing to discuss any matter necessary.
9. Access to their permanent records in the presence of a faculty member.
10. Freedom to pursue knowledge of their own choosing in addition to the prescribed
curriculum.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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GRADUATE PROGRAM FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
PREREQUISISTE CrHr NUR 500 Advanced Writing Seminar 3
CORE COURSES Cr Hr
NUR 501 Advanced Nursing Science Theory 3
NUR 503 Advanced Nursing Research 3
NUR 505 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
NUR 540 Advanced Health Assessment 3
NUR 552 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 3
NUR 580/590 Research Project/Thesis Option 3/6
ELECTIVE (If research project elected) 3
FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER OPTION COURSES Cr Hr
NUR 540 NP: Advanced Health Assessment 3
NUR 541 NP: Role I 1
NUR 542 NP: Advanced Health Management I 4
NUR 544 NP: Advanced Health Management II 4
NUR 546 NP: Advanced Health Management III 4
NUR 547 NP: Role II 1
NUR 548 NP: Advanced Health Management IV 5
NUR 552 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 3
NUR 553 Health Policy for Families & Communities 3
NUR 599 Comprehensive Examination 0
PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER OPTION COURSES Cr Hr
NUR 540 NP: Advanced Health Assessment 3
NUR 541 NP: Role I 1
NUR 572 PNP: Advanced Health Management I 4
NUR 574 PNP: Advanced Health Management II 4
NUR 576 PNP: Advanced Health Management III 4
NUR 547 NP: Role II 1
NUR 578 PNP: Advanced Health Management IV 5
NUR 552 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 3
NUR 553 Health Policy for Families & Communities 3
NUR 599 Comprehensive Examination 0
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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PREREQUISISTE UPON ADMISSION CrHr NUR 500 Advanced Writing Seminar 3
NURSE EDUCATOR OPTION COURSES Cr Hr
NUR 507 Issues and Trends in Nursing 3
NUR 510 Women’s Health 4
NUR 512 Pediatric Health 4
NUR 514 Adult Health I 4
NUR 516 Adult Health II 4
NUR 530 Educational Foundations for Nursing 3
NUR 532 Curriculum Development for Nurse Educators 3
NUR 534 Teaching Methodologies 3
NUR 535 Nurse Educator Role 1
NUR 536 Practicum in Nursing Education 3
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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SCHOOL OF NURSING POLICIES FOR GRADUATE NURSING PROGRAM
Policies affecting graduate nursing students at GSU are publicly accessible, non-discriminatory,
and consistently applied. The Grambling State University School of Nursing Graduate Program
provides information to students regarding policies within the School of Nursing through the
means of Student Handbook, course syllabi, handouts, and classroom announcements. Additional
sources of information related to student policies are published in the Grambling State University
Catalog. Students are expected to be familiar with these policies and procedures. Policies
specific to the School of Nursing are included herein. Course specific policies are included in
individual course syllabi.
Accreditation Status
The Grambling State University School of Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner Program has been
approved by the University of Louisiana Systems. Initial accreditation of the program for five
years was awarded by the National League of Nursing Accreditation Council (NLNAC) in June
2000. The program was awarded full eight years accreditation status in June 2004 and in July
2012 received an additional eight year accreditation status. Concerns regarding the program or
the accreditation process may be addressed to the Accreditation Commission for Education in
Nursing (ACEN); formerly known as the NLNAC, at the following:
ACEN
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Phone: (404)-975-5000 Fax: (404)-975-5020
Email: www.acenursing.org
Academic Dishonesty Policy
A student deemed to have committed academic dishonesty as defined in the Grambling State
University Catalog 2009-2011 (p. 37) will receive a minimum penalty of a grade of “F” in the
course in which the infraction occurred; the maximum penalty for a first offense is suspension
from the University for the remainder of the semester. Penalty for a second offense is indefinite
suspension from the University.
Cheating
Cheating refers to the possession of unauthorized sources of information during an examination;
copying the work of another student, or permitting copying by another student during an exam;
completing an assignment for another student; submitting out-of-class work for an in-class
assignment; altering graded work after faculty evaluation, retaining exams or other materials
after they were supposed to be returned to faculty, falsifying data on in-class assignments or
clinical materials.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Plagiarism Statement
Plagiarism is the copying or paraphrasing of material from another source other than the mind of
the author unless that material is considered general knowledge. Three conditions must be
present for information to be considered general knowledge: (a) it may be found in writings of
several authors; (b) it is written entirely in the words of the student; and (c) it is not paraphrased
from any particular source. If in doubt, it is always better to be overly cautious and cite rather
than under cautious and not cite a reference.
Any student assignment which is determined to include plagiarism will be given the grade of “0”
for that assignment. At the discretion of the faculty, the penalty for plagiarism could include an
assignment of a grade of “F” for that course and suspension from the program for a minimum of
two semesters.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Grambling State University School of Nursing Graduate Program is
competitive. The first step in the admissions process is to apply for admission to the School of
Graduate Studies (applications online at www.gram.edu/admissions/graduate ). The second step
is to apply for admission to the School of Nursing Graduate Program (application online at
http://www.gram.edu/academics/majors/professional%20studies/departments/nursing/degrees/gr
ad.php) To be considered for admission to the School of Nursing Graduate Nursing Program,
applicants must have met the following minimum requirements:
Regular Admission
1. Admission to the School of Graduate Studies at Grambling State University.
2. Application for admission to the graduate nursing program.
3. Baccalaureate degree in nursing from a program accredited by the NLN.
4. Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for nursing degree courses.
5. Official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended received by the School of
Graduate Studies and the School of Nursing.
6. Submit official scores for Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Scores must have
been taken within 5 years prior to the date of admission into graduate program.
7. Completion of health assessment course taught in an accredited nursing program with a
grade of "C" or better.
8. Completion of statistics course with a grade of “C” or better.
9. Letters of recommendation from three professional/academic references received by
the School of Nursing and the School of Graduate Studies.
10. Minimum work experience as an RN of two years.
11. Graduate level writing course, NUR 500, or acceptable substitute approved by faculty
12. Completion of admission interview with the School of Nursing graduate faculty.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Provisional Admission
Graduate nursing students may be admitted to the School of Graduate Studies on a provisional
status while in the process of obtaining required credentials. See the current Grambling State
University Catalog for specific details.
Conditional Admission
Conditional admission may be granted to applicants who fail to meet all criteria for regular
admission; including GPA and GRE scores. The conditional status will be changed to regular
admission status when the student has earned a “B” average (3.0) in twelve (12) semester hours
of graduate study with not more than one grade of “C” in any non-clinical course. See the current
Grambling State University Catalog for specific details.
Advisement
Each graduate nursing student in the Master of Science in Nursing program will be assigned a
faculty advisor. Advisors are available for assisting students in planning their program of study
and in reviewing with the student their progress on a periodic basis. Clinical course syllabi
specify frequency of required student advisor face to face or email conferences to discuss clinical
objectives and activities in each specific course. Student advisement may occur via office
appointment, scheduled telephone appointments, internet messaging or voice messaging with the
approval of the student’s faculty advisor.
Attendance Policy
It is the belief of the School of Nursing that classroom attendance is important to academic
achievement and professional development. Adult learners are expected to make decisions that
will facilitate the learning process for themselves as individuals. Attendance in class is not
required at the graduate level, but it is expected. In some classes, attendance may be a
requirement of a specific course, especially if group participation is an expected outcome for
learning to occur.
In many graduate nursing courses, participation in classroom activities is expected as
demonstration of professional role behavior and is included in determination of course grades.
Anticipated classroom absences should be discussed with faculty prior to the date for approval.
Prolonged illness or multiple absences or repeated tardiness may prevent attainment of terminal
course objectives resulting in a failing grade for the course.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Clinical Attendance Policy
Specific clinical hours required are identified in individual course syllabi. Requirements for
completion of a clinical course dictate that all clinical hours must be completed during the
semester in which the course is taken. Failure to complete clinical hours within that semester will
result in a grade of “F” for the course. All clinical check offs must be completed during the
semester in which the grade is awarded, no check offs will be performed beyond the semester
end date. If there are extenuating circumstances preventing a student from completing the
required clinical hours (i.e. severe illness) within a particular semester, the student may petition
their clinical faculty advisor and the MSN Program Director for an extension to complete the
required hours. This decision will be at the discretion of the faculty member and the MSN
Program Director.
If the graduate nursing student has scheduled hours in a clinical site and is unable to attend at the
scheduled time, or anticipates a tardy arrival in the clinical site, it is the responsibility of the
student to notify the personnel in the clinical area at least one hour prior to the designated
clinical time, and to notify the faculty in the School of Nursing. It is the responsibility of the
student to reschedule any missed clinical hours. Failure to attend scheduled clinical hours in a
specific clinical site may result in loss of privileges to attend that clinical site for the duration of
program enrollment.
All full time traditional nurse practitioner students are required to complete a minimum of 668
clinical clock hours during the course of enrollment in the MSN program. All hours must be
validated by the clinical preceptor in the clinical area in which the hours were earned. The MSN
faculty will keep an ongoing log of all clinical hours submitted for each semester, and for the
program total. Students are advised to keep copies of clinical hours and use these to validate the
faculty log of clinical hours each semester. Clinical hour tickets should be submitted to faculty
on a regular basis as indicated in the course syllabus. See the course syllabi for specifics on
clinical hour requirements per course.
Post master’s certificate students (fast track) are required to complete a minimum of 500 clinical
hours during their course of study in the program. Clinical hours will be awarded to the fast track
students for their area of pre-program specialty, based on the GSU program requirements, i.e. a
pediatric nurse practitioner enrolled in the fast track will be awarded credit for pediatric clinical
hours based on his/her private clinical practice prior to enrollment. These hours will not exceed
the number of pediatric hours required in the GSU program.
Carry Over Clinical Hours
In most semesters, FNP and PNP students may be allowed, at the discretion of MSN faculty, to
“carry over” clinical hours into a subsequent semester. No carry over hours are permitted in the
first semester of study (NUR 540). Carry over hours may be permitted in any of the NP
Management courses. Students may be permitted to carry over up to 10% of the subsequent
semester’s required family practice hours (example: in NUR 542 Management I a student may
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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earn enough clinical hours to carry over up to 7.2 hours into NUR 544 Management II {7.2
hours is 10% of the required 72 hours in NUR 544})
If the student desires to earn clinical hours during a semester break, the student first must make
certain that a faculty advisor will be available by telephone during the break time. If faculty are
not locally available during the break time, the student will not be permitted to earn clinical
hours during that time.
Clinical Requirements
Students enrolled in the clinical nursing courses must meet the School of Nursing’s requirements
for CPR Course C certification, current RN licensure, current malpractice coverage, and health
related paperwork requirements. Specific health requirements include completion of the Physical
Examination form, annual documentation of PPD or chest x-ray, and completion of required
immunizations (Rubella titer, MMR, and Hepatitis B or appropriate declination letter). Clinical
requirements must be updated at least annually to remain current throughout enrollment in the
graduate nursing program. Students will be required to bring original documents and a copy of
each prior to clinical assignments in each semester.
Certified Background Checks will maintain an online repository for all student clinical
information. Students will follow instructions provided for submission of required
documentation. All students MUST be cleared completely with all documents posted PRIOR to
attending clinical site rotations.
Clinical Site Selection
Clinical sites are selected based on the potential for clinical learning experiences. A student may
attend several clinical sites throughout the course of the program, based on the clinical needs of
the specific course the student is taking in a given semester. All clinical sites must be approved
by faculty prior to utilization of that site.
Graduate nursing students will NOT be permitted to earn clinical hours in their place of
employment. No student will be permitted to participate in a clinical activity for reimbursement;
i.e. students are not to be paid by the facility in which the clinical hours are earned.
Specific instructions for clinical site selection will be identified in each course syllabus. Students
will be instructed in the syllabus regarding the number of specialty hours required to meet the
learning needs for each semester.
The faculty and students are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of any clinical site or
affiliating agency utilized for clinical experiences. Failure to abide by agency or clinical site
rules will result in removal of the student from that clinical site and possible dismissal from the
MSN program, at the discretion of the graduate faculty.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Clinical Preceptor Selection
Clinical experiences for all graduate nursing students are to occur only in clinical sites which
have been approved by the graduate nursing faculty. Clinical contracts are required for each
clinical site/preceptor utilized by graduate nursing students. All new clinical preceptors will be
contacted by the School of Nursing faculty to determine the appropriateness of the site and the
preceptor for the student’s clinical assignments.
Requirements for clinical preceptors include:
1. Unencumbered licensure status as an MD, a NP, or a graduate level nurse (Nurse
Educator students)
2. Board certified in area of practice/specialty for FNP or PNP students
3. Board certified in pediatrics or pediatric subspecialty for PNP students
4. Have a minimum of two years clinical experience
5. If a nurse practitioner, must have an earned MSN degree
Comprehensive Examination
All graduate nursing students must satisfactorily complete a terminal written and/or oral
comprehensive examination. The terminal examination covering the content of the program of
study will be administered in the final semester of study prior to graduation. A grade of pass or
fail will be awarded for the semester grade.
Post certificate FNP students may be granted credit for the clinical comprehensive examination
in their area of pre-program specialty, but should complete the remainder of the clinical
comprehensive examination. All post master’s and post certificate students who have written a
thesis or research project are exempt from the research/theory portion of the comprehensive
examination.
The written/computer generated comprehensive examination will be scheduled for all graduating
students in their final semester of study. Usually two separate days will be scheduled; one for the
theory and research component of the examination and one day for the clinical component. Time
limits will be adhered to for all comprehensive exams. Any student who fails to achieve a
passing grade on any section of the comprehensive examination will be provided one opportunity
to retest in an oral examination at a date specified by faculty within seven days of receipt of the
failed grade. If the student is not successful on the oral examination a grade of “fail” will be
awarded for the semester in NUR 599 Comprehensive Examination. The student must enroll in
NUR 599 in a subsequent semester.
If the student enrolls a second time in NUR 599, Comprehensive Examination, a date will be set
for the exam by the graduate faculty. If the student completes the written comprehensive exam
with a score lower than 85%, that student will receive the earned grade “fail” for the semester
and will be dismissed from the program.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Confidentiality Policy
Graduate nursing students of Grambling State University School of Nursing are held accountable
and responsible for maintaining confidentiality of all individuals as outlined in the ANA
Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice and the HIPPA Guidelines for protection of patient
privacy information.
Credit By Transfer
A master’s level nursing student may transfer credit for up to one-third of the hours needed to
complete the program from another university if the following criteria are met:
The institution must be regionally accredited.
A grade of “B” or better must be earned on all credits transferred.
The time limitations must be observed on all credits.
The credits must be acceptable to the program as determined by the graduate
nursing faculty, the MSN Program Director and the Associate Dean of the School of
Nursing. Transfer credits must comply with GSU graduate school policy regarding
transfer credit.
The School of Nursing Nurse Practitioner Program will not accept transfer of credits earned in
any clinical courses (NUR 540, NUR 542, NUR 544, NUR 546, NUR 548, nor in the
pharmacotherapeutics course NUR 552); other courses will be considered based on evidence
provided via course syllabi, official transcripts, and other course documents. The School of
Nursing Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program will not accept transfer of credits earned in any
clinical courses (NUR 540, NUR 572, NUR 574, NUR 576, NUR 578, nor in the
pharmacotherapeutics course NUR 552). Credits earned on a non-graduate basis or post-
baccalaureate basis in another institution will not be accepted on any basis toward graduate
degree requirements.
Transfer credits for the Nurse Educator program will include up to 1/3 of the total credit hours
for all courses except NUR 540 Assessment, NUR 530 Educational Foundations, NUR 532
Curriculum Development, NUR 534 Teaching Methods, NUR 536 Practicum and NUR 552
Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Dress Code Policy
White lab coats are required over appropriate professional street clothes when entering the
clinical area. White lab coats should be ¾ length coat that is pressed, clean, and in good repair.
Scrub jackets are not acceptable in the place of lab coats. Street clothes worn to clinical areas
should be congruent with the mode of dress by those professionals serving as clinical preceptors
(no blue jeans, no scrubs, no T shirts). Shoes should not have open toes. Students must present in
a professional manner, with clean, pressed, professional clothing and personal grooming. Long
hair must be secured in a manner that it does not fall forward. Men should maintain well
groomed facial hair, if present.
Fingernails should be well groomed, not excessively long. If nail polish is worn, it should be a
neutral color. If ears are pierced, only one pair of small earrings is allowed. Necklaces are not
appropriate for clinical attire. No acrylic nails or artificial nail overlays should be worn during
your clinical rotation. Also please refrain from wearing artificial eyelashes as this prevents
proper use of the opthalmoscope.
Perfume and gum chewing are not allowed in the clinical setting.
Students are to wear a GSU School of Nursing approved name pin which includes “RN” on the
name tag and identifies the student as a Grambling Graduate Nurse Student. Name pins will be
ordered during the first semester of course work, students are responsible for this expense.
Equipment Policy
Students are required to provide their own diagnostic equipment for clinical practice. Equipment
required in the clinical for FNP students should include a double head stethoscope, reflex
hammer, penlight, mm ruler, bandage scissors, insufflator bulb, otoscope/ophthalmoscope,
tuning fork. PNP students will also be required to have a pediatric age appropriate stethoscope
for their clinical practice experiences. Additionally students may find it helpful to have their own
set of BP cuffs in various sizes, a pocket eye chart, and a small tape measurer. Diagnostic
equipment must be taken to clinical each day the student is in attendance at the clinical site.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Grievance and Appeals Process
Grievances:
If a student has a grievance concerning grades the following process should be utilized:
1. see the professor with whom you have the problem, if the problem is still unresolved;
2. see your clinical advisor, if the problem is unresolved;
3. see the MSN Program Director, if the problem is unresolved;
4. see the Associate Dean of the School of Nursing, if the problem is unresolved;
5.see the Dean of the College of Professional Studies, if the problem is unresolved;
6. see the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
If the problem remains unresolved, the student is advised to follow the appeals procedures for
various types of appeals handled by the university as outlined in the Grambling State University
Student Handbook.
All grievances should be submitted in writing, signed, and dated on the specific form available in
the School of Nursing office. A copy of the form is included in the Appendix of this booklet.
Students are to complete the form, including their proposed solutions to the problems, and
deliver to the appropriate person.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Appeals Process
If a student is affected by the policy for admission, retention, or progression, a written appeal can
be made one time for the specified condition. An appeal is to ensure that students are not
deprived of due process. The appeal will be addressed by the Admissions and Academic
Standard Committee in the School of Nursing. The appeal MUST be presented to the Chair of
the Nursing Admissions and Academic Standards Committee prior to the end of the semester in
which the student is enrolled.
If the student would like to appeal a decision the following procedure must be utilized:
1. Meet with an Academic Advisor to discuss appeal and the appeal process
2. State the admission, retention, or progression policy that affects the student
3. State clearly what is being appealed
4. Include a copy of all transcripts
5. Provide a reason for the appeal
6. Provide information related to extenuating circumstances for the condition of non-
progression.
7. Include external documentation supporting the circumstances
8. Provide a time frame (semester and year) for continuation in the nursing program
9. Provide a plan addressing a change in behavior that will promote success
10. State proposed solution to the problem in the appeal statement
11. State whether you wish to appear before the committee for the appeal
12. Fill out appeal process form.
All appeals should be submitted in writing, signed, and dated on the specified form available in
the School of Nursing Office. Students are required to submit forms and supporting documents
in a sealed envelope.
If the student desires to personally be present before the School of Nursing Admission and
Academic Standards Committee, the student should present the request in writing along with
forms and supporting documents.
A response regarding the decision of the Admissions and Academic Standards Committee will
be provided within 14 days from the date of the Admissions and Academic Standards Committee
meeting. If the appeal is granted, students must meet all requirements for admission to the
professional component at the time of readmission. The student must adhere to all readmission
procedures set forth in this document. Readmission is not automatic and depends on space
available in the course.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Graduate School Forms Requirements
Each of the following forms are requirements from the School of Graduate Studies at various
points in the student’s enrollment. The School of Nursing Admission Coordinator for the MSN
Program and the MSN Program Director will be available to assist in the completion of each of
these forms. All forms must be typewritten and signed by appropriate faculty members.
Formal Admission To A Department
Each student who is admitted to pursue graduate studies in the graduate nursing program must
have a Formal Admission To A Department filed with the School of Graduate Studies in the
semester of the student’s admission to the program. Graduate faculty will complete and file these
forms for the students. Students are encouraged to check with graduate nursing faculty to assure
that this requirement has been completed in a timely manner.
Plan of Study
Each student is required to complete and submit a Plan of Study to the School of Graduate
Studies. This form should be completed after the Formal Admission To A Department has been
submitted. The Plan of Study should be completed by the student and his/her faculty advisor
during the second semester of course work. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate a
meeting with his/her faculty advisor to complete this requirement.
Admission To Candidacy Form
After the graduate nursing student has earned fifteen (15) hours of graduate work, an Admission
To Candidacy Form must be filed with the School of Graduate Studies. Graduate faculty are
responsible for completion and filing of this form. Graduate nursing students are encouraged to
check with faculty to ascertain that the Admission To Candidacy Form has been filed in a timely
manner.
Application For Graduate Degree
Graduate nursing students are required to submit this application for graduation the School of
Graduate Studies in the first month of the regular semester in which he/she plans to graduate.
Students are responsible to initiate a meeting with faculty advisors to complete and file the
Application For Graduate Degree in a timely manner. Students are required to be enrolled in the
current semester in which the graduation is to occur. Additional student requirements are:
1. Complete all departmental and graduate school requirements.
2. Meet the minimum semester hours required for the degree.
3. Not have more than six (6) semester hours of “C” grades.
4. Must have a grade point average of 3.0 or better.
5. Meet the time limitations for graduate course work (within six years after admission
to the course of study).
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Lab Policies
Computer Lab
The MSN Computer Lab is available for additional learning experiences for graduate nursing
students. It offers experiential student oriented learning situations. Although some activities will
be required and directed, students are encouraged to utilize the facilities creatively.
No students are permitted in the computer lab during class times for their classroom. Students are
expected to sign in and sign out upon entering/leaving the computer lab.
Specific computer lab use requirements are listed below:
1. No magnets in the computer lab.
2. No equipment is to be removed from the computer lab by students.
3. Reproduction of copyrighted software is a violation of federal law.
4. No manipulation of hardware is allowed.
5. Students must furnish their own work disks and take their data disks with them
when they leave the computer lab area.
6. Equipment is arranged to allow adequate air flow for the computers. Equipment
should not be shoved or pushed around or moved (exceptions made for keyboard and
mouse).
7. Nothing should ever be put on top of equipment.
8. The computer lab is for nursing students, faculty and staff use only.
Learning Resource Center
A learning resource center is available for graduate nursing students to enhance learning with
audio tapes and video tapes related to course content. Written materials are available for students
in the form of journals, textbooks, and printed materials from pharmaceutical companies for
further enrichment.
Clinical Lab
The School of Nursing provides a large clinical lab area complete with examination tables,
patient beds, and a various assortment of equipment. Learning models are available for graduate
nursing students to facilitate acquisition of advanced practice nursing skills. Students are
encouraged to schedule learning opportunities in the lab with their faculty advisor. There is a
simulation lab located on the first floor of the School of Nursing which may be utilized during
specific dates for additional learning opportunities. MSN students will follow all rules and
guidelines expected while in attendance in the simulation lab setting.
In all of the above lab facilities, students are reminded that no food or drink items are permitted.
Use of lab facilities requires cooperation on the part of the graduate student to keep lab areas
clean and available for future student use.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Retention and Progression Requirements
1. To progress in the Graduate Nursing Program, a grade of “A” or “B” must be earned in
all clinical courses for Family Nurse Practitioner (NUR 540, NUR 542, NUR 544, NUR
546, and NUR 548; for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (NUR 540, NUR 572, NUR 574,
NUR 576, and NUR 578); and for Nurse Educator a grade of “A” or “B” must be earned
in all nurse educator courses (NUR 530, NUR 532, NUR 534, NUR 535, NUR 536 and
NUR 540).
2. Enrollment in a nursing course is defined as completion of any unit examination, quiz,
or assignment in that course. A “W” grade in a course constitutes an enrollment in that
course.
3. Failure is defined as achievement of a grade of “C”, “D”, or “F” in a clinical course; and
if the student withdraws from the course with a failing grade at the time of withdrawal.
4. A student may submit a written petition to the School of Nursing graduate faculty
requesting permission to repeat a clinical course in which a grade of “C” was earned.
Permission will be granted at the discretion of the graduate nursing faculty on a space
available basis. A revised Plan of Study form must be completed with the advisor. This
form is available on the School of Graduate Studies web site. A sample is also located in
the Appendix of this document.
a. The graduate nursing student who earns a grade of “C” in a clinical course may
petition for readmission to that course at the next available time of that class
offering, if space is available.
b. Prior to readmission in the unsuccessful clinical course, the graduate nursing
student must demonstrate retention of previously covered course content by
successful completion of a written competency examination and a skills
performance competency examination. The student must enroll in an independent
study course and earn a grade of “B” or higher to demonstrate retention of
previously learned content. This independent study course must be completed the
semester prior to re-entering the clinical course that is being repeated. Any
subsequent failure to progress will result in dismissal from the graduate nursing
program. Students may only enroll in NUR 550 Independent Study two (2)
times during their enrollment in the graduate nursing program.
5. A student who has failed to progress in the clinical course sequence may elect to continue
with non-clinical courses, with the permission of his/her advisor and the MSN Program
Director, if they are in good academic standing with the University. Enrollment in certain
non-clinical courses would not be permitted, if there is a co-requisite attached to the
admission criteria for that course, i. e. NUR 547 NP: Role II. Dismissal from the
nursing program will occur when a student has:
a. Failed the second enrollment of the same clinical course in the major area.
b. Failed a second clinical course in the major area (FNP, PNP, Nurse Educator)
c. A student who failed the second clinical course in the same major area will be
DISMISSED from the School of Nursing Graduate Nursing Program and is not
eligible for readmission to any of the other Graduate Nursing Program Tracks
within the MSN program ( The student is not allowed to transfer into any of the
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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other programs offered i.e. Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse
Practitioner, Nurse Educator, or Post Masters Certificate).
6. Students who are dismissed from the School of Nursing Graduate Nursing Program
are not eligible for readmission to ANY program within the Graduate School of
Nursing.
7. A student who is dismissed from the program may elect to submit a written appeal to the
School of Nursing Admissions and Academic Standards Committee following the written
appeal process. Applying for an appeal does not guarantee automatic Readmission.
Readmission for a successful appeal is on a space available basis. Students must follow
the Appeals Policy for the School of Nursing (located in this document under Grievance
and Appeals, p. 24, MSN Graduate Program Student Handbook, 2015).
8. Students may have a grade of “C” in any non-clinical course and still progress in the
program. A student who accumulates more than six (6) semester hours of “C” grades will
be automatically dropped from the program and must petition the Graduate Council in
writing through the School of Nursing for consideration for re-admission.
9. No grade below a “C” is acceptable in any graduate course. A student with a grade of
“D” or “F” in any graduate nursing course is automatically dropped from the program
and must petition the Graduate Council in writing through the School of Nursing for
consideration for re-admission. A student cannot graduate with less than a 3.0 GPA.
Probation/Suspension/Dismissal Policy
Any graduate nursing student whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on probation
by the University. A student who is readmitted on probation may remove himself from such
status by raising his/her cumulative GPA to 3.0 or better. Failure to make a semester average of
3.0 or better while on probation will result in dismissal.
Readmission/Returning Students
Graduate nursing students who have been non-enrolled in a clinical course for more than one
semester due to either failure to progress or personal reasons, must submit a written petition for
readmission to the program. Readmission is not automatic and depends on space availability.
Admission will be granted on a space available basis, if all other admission criteria are
maintained. Returning or readmitted students who have had an interrupted nursing course
sequence for any reason for a period of one semester or longer, will be required to validate
retention of previously covered course content by successful completion of a written competency
examination and a skills performance competency examination. This competency exam must be
completed the semester prior to readmission/return to the repeated course through enrollment in
an independent study course (NUR 550). Students may only enroll in NUR 550 Independent
Study two (2) times during their enrollment in the graduate nursing program. The student must
submit a Revised Plan of Study which outlines the changes made in the plan of study on file.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Per Graduate School requirements, students must complete the requirements for the master’s
degree within six years after admission to a degree program, if they are full time; part time
students may complete within eight years. Family Nurse Practitioner students and Pediatric
Nurse Practitioner students are also bound to time constraints issued by the Louisiana State
Board of Nursing, wherein the courses for advanced pathophysiology and advanced
pharmacotherapeutics must be taken within three years of application for their prescriptive
authority licensure status post graduation.
Student Health and Welfare
The School of Nursing complies with policies set forth by the University in providing health
care. (See the university catalog). All students must comply with university policies relating to
health. Each student participates in an accident and sickness insurance plan that is designed
especially for students at Grambling State University. Information material can be procured at
the Foster Johnson Infirmary.
Poor health may be reflected in clinical and/or classroom performance. It is recommended that
students maintain optimum sleeping and eating habits. Maintenance of standard weight for
height is desirable. Frequent absenteeism due to illness is clinical courses can result in failure or
an incomplete. Where frequent illness occurs, a doctor’s statement should be filed with the
program director.
All pregnant students must notify the program director of the pregnancy and due date for
delivery. It is advisable to have a physician’s statement indicating due date and the student’s
physical capacity to continue her course of study.
Student Representation
The graduate nursing faculty believes in student representation and participation in matters
concerning the School of Nursing MSN program. Representatives from each class are selected
by their peers to serve as a member of graduate nursing faculty committees.
Students at large are asked for frequent input into matters concerning the program. Input is
welcomed via direct personal communication with faculty, internet interchanges, course
evaluation forms, and faculty evaluation forms. Frequently faculty hold informal general
meetings with student groups during class days to solicit input regarding program matters.
Students may request a general meeting at any point in time that a matter needs to be addressed
with faculty and students. Graduate nursing faculty encourage open communication and sharing
of ideas and concerns regarding the program.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
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Students With Disabilities Policy
Any student with a disability who desires admission to the School of Nursing graduate program
will meet individually with the Associate Dean of the School of Nursing and the MSN Program
Director to determine the physical and mental capability of the student to engage in primary
health care delivery. Reasonable accommodations will be made on an individual basis; however,
the applicant must be able to perform in an independent manner. Graduate nursing students in
the Family Nurse Practitioner Option are expected to demonstrate ability to function effectively
in a clinical setting which requires communication skills, manual dexterity skills, visual and
hearing ability, and certain mobility requirements. Examples of competency requirements are
listed below, but do not comprise an exhaustive list.
COMPETENCY BEHAVIORAL EXAMPLE
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL Possesses the mental and emotional ability demonstrates behaviors appropriate to the
to adapt to the environment, function in situation, uses appropriate coping strategies
everyday activities, and cope with stressors
SENSORY Possesses the ability to assess and/or evaluate
client responses and to perform nursing
interventions safely and accurately
A. Visual
1. Has normal or corrected vision observes patient responses, visualizes the
within the range of 20/20 to appearance of wounds, recognizes changes
20/80 in skin color, color of drainage,
distinguishes
2. Distinguishes color shades and size/shape of lesions
or changes
B. Auditory
Has normal or corrected hearing hears alarms, auscultatory sounds
ability within the 0-45 decibel
range
C. Tactile
Possesses in at least on hand the performs functions of physical assessment
ability to perceive temperature
changes and pulsations and to
differentiate different structures
and textures
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
32
MOTOR
Possesses four (4) functional limbs moves among patient rooms and treatment
(normal or artificial) that allows the areas, performs CPR
student to perform abilities sufficient to
move from room to room and maneuver
in small places; gross and fine motor skills
sufficient to provide safe and effective
nursing care
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION A. Possesses communication abilities explains treatment interventions and initiates
sufficient for appropriate and effective health teaching, documents nursing actions
interaction with others in oral and and patient responses
written form
B. Possesses interpersonal abilities establishes rapport with patients, families,
sufficient to interact appropriately and colleagues
and effectively with individuals,
families, and groups from a variety
of backgrounds
CRITICAL THINKING A. Possesses critical thinking ability identifies cause and effect relationships,
sufficient for clinical judgment develops plan of care for clients
B. Applies principles of logical or scientific
thinking to define problems, collect
data, establish facts, and draw valid
conclusions. Deals with several
abstract and concrete variables.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
33
Substance Abuse Policy
The mission of the Graduate Nursing Program at Grambling State University is to prepare
graduates to assume the roles of advanced practitioners of professional nursing. The School of
Nursing accomplishes this by providing a caring, engaging environment for the empowerment of
student learning potential, the professional development of faculty, and the promotion of the
nursing profession. Therefore, in order to uphold the highest standards of the nursing profession,
the School of Nursing has adopted a drug free-environment. The School of Nursing strictly
prohibits the illicit use, possession, sale, conveyance, distribution, and manufacture of illegal
drugs, intoxicants, or controlled substances in any amount or in any manner, and the abuse of
nonprescription and prescription drugs. The intent of the drug screen policy is to identify those
students who are chemically impaired.
As a condition of the admission to the professional component of the Graduate School of
Nursing, each student will be required to submit to a drug test, and to submit, as requested to
additional test once enrolled in the professional component.
The following is a partial listing of what GSU SON deems as possible signs and symptoms of
drug or alcohol use:
Frequent absences from class, clinical or lab and/or disappearance from such
Isolation and withdrawal
Patient care errors, particularly medication errors
Detectable odor of alcohol
Increasingly poor decision and judgment about patient care
Illogical or sloppy charting
Unusual accidents and incidents
Deteriorating personal appearance
Changes in motor function and behavioral patterns including personality changes, mood
swings, illogical thought patterns gait disturbances, impaired dexterity, slurred speech,
drowsiness/sleepiness, and papillary changes
Information that a student has caused or contributed to an accident as a result of
substance abuse, or has been arrested and/or charged with a substance abuse-related
offense.
Conviction by a court or being found guilty, plea of guilty, or a plea of no contest for
substance abuse-related offense.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
34
A. Drug Testing upon Admission and Continuance in the Graduate Nursing
Program
The Grambling State University School of Nursing enforces zero tolerance for impairment due to
alcohol and/or drug use while on campus or in clinical affiliation experiences. Infringement on
this policy will subject the student to disciplinary action up to and including academic dismissal.
A negative drug screen is required upon acceptance to the Graduate School of Nursing and/or if
there is a break in enrollment for a semester or more. Drug screens are conducted by sites
designated by the School of Nursing and are collected according to the laboratory’s policy. The
outcome of a positive drug screen may include suspension, or immediate dismissal from the
program.
Any faculty member can request a drug screen after documentation of possession of alcohol or
drugs in violation of this policy, or when suspected behaviors are demonstrated. The drug screen
test is to be conducted at the expense of the student. During participation in clinical, classroom,
or campus settings, the student will be removed from the area and must report within 1 hour to a
designated laboratory site for collection of drug screen. If the drug screen request s made during
the attendance at the University campus or associated facilities, the student would be required to
report to the designated site for collection of the drug screen within 1 hour. Impaired students
will not be permitted to drive and must bear the cost of any transportation. The student will be
suspended from all clinical activities, and will be notified of the drug screen results; this
suspension will remain in effect until a negative result is returned or the investigation is
complete.
B. Confidentiality
All testing information, interviews, reports, statement, and test results specifically related to the
individual are confidential to the extent allowed by state and federal law. The Program Director
or designee will receive drug test results from the lab, and only authorized persons will be
allowed to review this information.
C. Positive Drug Test
Confirmation of a positive drug screen will result in immediate removal from the Graduate
School of Nursing Program. Upon confirmation of positive drug screen, students will be
reported to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing for further follow-up. Determinations made by
the Louisiana State Board of Nursing will be upheld by the School of Nursing. A student who
has not received clearance from Louisiana State Board of Nursing will not be eligible to continue
within the program.
D. Responsibility of Obtaining Drug Screen
Random drug screens are at the student’s expense and must be conducted at the designated drug
screening facility. The student would be required to report to the designated site for collection of
the drug screen within 1 hour. Failure to undergo a drug screen on the designated day will result
in immediate withdrawal from the Graduate Nursing Program.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
35
Substance-related disorders are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental
Disorder 4th
Edition, and as subsequently amended. Substance abuse is grouped into eleven
classes: alcohol, amphetamines, or similarly acting sympathomimetics, caffeine, cannabis,
cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, nicotine, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP), or similarly acting
arycyclohexyalmines and sedatives, hyponotics, or anxiolytics. Testing may include any of these
drug categories. The Medical Professional Panel Drug Screens include common street drugs and
those drugs that health care workers have access to and abuse. Drugs that may be monitored
include: Alfetanil, Butorphamol (Stadol), Fentanyl, Ketamine, MDMA (ecstacy), Nalbuphine
(Nubain), Sufentanil, Tramadol, Amphetamines/Methamphetamines, Cocaine, Benzodiazepines,
Marijuana, Cannabinoids, Barbiturates, Methadone, Opiate, Phencycidine, Propoxyphene.
If alcohol is suspected, then the student will be asked to take a Breathalyzer or serum alcohol test
at the student’s expense. The student would be required to report to the designated site for
collection of the drug screen within 1 hour. Confirmation of the presence of alcohol will result
in removal from the clinical courses and/or program within one calendar year. (Readmission is
not automatic. Student should follow the procedure for readmission as presented in the MSN
handbook.) A second positive test will render the student ineligible to continue in the program.
E. Student’s Right to Appeal
The only disciplinary action taken by the Graduate Nursing Program at Grambling State
University’ School of Nursing that can be appealed by a student is a decision to dismiss the
student from the Nursing Program.
Textbooks
At the beginning of the first and second semester, students are provided with a book list of
required and recommended textbooks which are available in the campus book store. Although
the textbook list is expensive, all texts have been carefully selected for their use in classroom
learning activities as well as future potential as advanced practice references after graduation.
Students are required to purchase all textbooks included on the required list when the list is
provided.
Students will find it advantageous to bring several key textbooks to the clinical sites for
references while engaged in clinical activities. Keep in mind the space available in the clinical
site. Students may elect to bring a PDA/electronic book on iPhone/iPad with textbook software
to the clinical site.
A large selection of professional journals have been donated to the program from area physician
offices for student use. These are primarily housed in the graduate class rooms. Students are
encouraged to utilize these journals as needed for references. If you borrow a journal for review,
please return it before the end of the semester, and place the journal in its appropriate place on
the shelf.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
36
Thesis and Research Project Policy Graduate nursing students must complete a thesis or a research project during their course of
work toward the Master of Science in Nursing degree. See The School of Nursing’s Research
Project and Thesis Guide (2010) for specific requirements of the thesis or research project. Also
see the Grambling State University’s Guideline for Preparing Research Proposals, Master’s
Projects and Theses, and Doctoral Dissertations (2004) for university specifications.
Copies of each of these may be obtained from graduate nursing faculty.
Transportation Policy
Throughout the program, graduate nursing students must travel to various rural agencies and
clinical sites for clinical assignments. Students are responsible for their own transportation and
subsequent expenses.
Students are required to follow university rules for parking and maintaining a vehicle on campus.
Universal Precautions Policy
Hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are significant health risks for
health care workers in the United States especially in those areas exposed to needle-sticks and
splashed blood/body fluids. It is mandatory that graduate nursing students take efforts to prevent
exposure to these diseases by consistent use of Universal Precautions in the clinical settings.
Students are expected to submit proper documentation that all required immunizations are
current each year of enrollment in the program.
Make-up Tests
If a student is absent from a scheduled examination in any graduate course, and the absence is
excused by faculty, the student will need to meet with faculty to make alternative plans to
schedule a make-up examination to satisfy the grade for the missed examination. Students are
expected to notify faculty BEFORE the examination time if an excused absence is to occur.
Examples of an excused absence: death of an immediate family member (mother, father, brother,
sister, spouse, child); student in the hospital as a patient for an acute illness; student’s child in the
hospital for an acute, unplanned illness. Unexcused absences will be awarded a grade of “0” for
that missed examination.
Review Course Nurse practitioners students are required to attend a certification review course in the final
semester of study. This course is arranged by the faculty through an independent company.
Students are responsible for their own registration and travel expenses for this course.
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
37
Appendix
Grambling State University School of Nursing
Family Nurse Practitioner Option/MSN
Curriculum Plan
Summer Semester Credit Hours
NUR 500 Advanced Writing Seminar (Prerequisite) 3
Fall Semester (16 weeks) Credit Hours Clinical Hrs/Wk
NUR 501 Advanced Nursing Science Theory 3
NUR 505 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
NUR 540 NP: Advanced Health Assessment 3 3
NUR 541 NP: Role I 1 1.5
Total 10 56 hr/semester
16 lab hours
Spring Semester (16 weeks)
NUR 542 NP: Advanced Health Management I 4 6
NUR 503 Advanced Nursing Research 3
NUR 552 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 3
Total 10 100 hr/semester
Summer Semester (12 weeks)
NUR 544 NP: Advanced Health Management II 4 6
NUR 553 Health Policy for Families & Communities 3 0.5
Total 7 72 hr/semester
Fall Semester (16 weeks)
NUR 546 NP: Advanced Health Management III 4 12
NUR 547 NP: Role II 1
NUR 580 Research Project 3
or
NUR 590 Thesis Option 3
Total 8 190 hr/semester
Spring Semester (16 weeks)
NUR 548 NP: Advanced Health Management IV 5 15
NUR 590 Thesis Option or Elective 3
NUR 599 Comprehensive Examination 0
Total 8 240 hr/semester
Total for Program 46 668 hours
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
38
Grambling State University School of Nursing
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Option/MSN
Curriculum Plan
Summer Semester Credit Hours
NUR 500 Advanced Writing Seminar (Prerequisite) 3
Fall Semester (16 weeks) Credit Hours Clinical Hrs/Wk
NUR 501 Advanced Nursing Science Theory 3
NUR 505 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
NUR 540 NP: Advanced Health Assessment 3 3
NUR 541 NP: Role I 1
Total 10 56 hr/semester
16 lab
Spring Semester (16 weeks)
NUR 572 PNP: Advanced Health Management I 4 6
NUR 503 Advanced Nursing Research 3
NUR 552 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 3
Total 10 96 hr/semester
Summer Semester (12 weeks)
NUR 574 PNP: Advanced Health Management II 4 6
NUR 553 Health Policy for Families & Communities 3 0.5
Total 7 84 hr/semester
Fall Semester (16 weeks) NUR 576 NP: Advanced Health Management III 4 12
NUR 547 NP: Role II 1
NUR 580 Research Project 3
or
NUR 590 Thesis Option 3
Total 8 192 hr/semester
Spring Semester (16 weeks)
NUR 578 NP: Advanced Health Management IV 5 15
NUR 590 Thesis Option or Elective 3
NUR 599 Comprehensive Examination 0
Total 8 240 hr/semester
Total for Program 46 668 hours
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
39
Grambling State University
School of Nursing
Graduate Nursing Program
Post Master’s Certificate FNP Curriculum Plan
Fall Semester
NUR 505 Advanced Pathophysiology* 3
NUR 540 NP: Advanced Health Assessment 3
NUR 541 NP: Role I 1
Total 7
Spring Semester
NUR 542 NP: Advanced Health Management I 4
NUR 552 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 3
Total 7
Summer Semester
NUR 544 NP: Advanced Health Management II 4
NUR 553 Health Policy for Families & Communities 3 3
Total 7
Fall Semester
NUR 546 NP: Advanced Health Management III 4
NUR 547 NP: Role II 1
Total 5
Spring Semester
NUR 548 NP: Advanced Health Management IV 5
NUR 599 Comprehensive Examination 0
Total 5
Grand Total 31
*If earned credit in pathophysiology is older than 5 years, students will be required to audit NUR 505
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
40
Grambling State University
School of Nursing
Graduate Nursing Program
Post Certification Family Nurse Practitioner Programs
“Fast Tracks”
Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP) to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Course Credit Hours
NUR 544 NP: Advanced Health Management II 4
NUR 553 Health Policy for Families & Communities 3
NUR 546 NP: Advanced Health Management III 4
NUR 548 NP: Advanced Health Management IV 5
Total 16
Women’s Health Practitioner (WHNP) to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Course Credit Hours
NUR 542 NP: Advanced Health Management I 4
NUR 553 Health Policy for Families & Communities 3
NUR 546 NP: Advanced Health Management III 4
NUR 548 NP: Advanced Health Management IV 5
Total 16
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Course Credit Hours
NUR 542 NP: Advanced Health Management I 4
NUR 544 NP: Advanced Health Management II 4
NUR 553 Health Policy for Families & Communities 3
NUR 548 NP: Advanced Health Management IV 5
Total 16
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
41
Grambling State University
School of Nursing
Graduate Nursing Program
Nurse Educator Option
Clinical Focus: Adult/Geriatric
Summer Semester Credit Hours
NUR 500 Advance Writing Seminar (Prerequisite) 3
Fall Semester Credit Hours
NUR 501 Advanced Nursing Science Theory 3
NUR 505 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
NUR 540 Advanced Health Assessment 3
Total 9
Spring Semester
NUR 503 Advanced Nursing Research 3
NUR 530 Educational Foundations for Nurse Educators 3
NUR 535 Nurse Educator Role 1
NUR 552 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 3
Total 10
Summer Semester
NUR 507 Issues and Trends in Nursing 2
NUR 532 Curriculum Development 3
Total 5
Fall Semester
NUR 590 Thesis 3
NUR 534 Teaching Methodologies 3
NUR 514 Adult Health I 4
Total 10
Spring Semester
NUR 516 Adult Health II 4
NUR 536 Practicum 3
NUR 590 Thesis 3
NUR 599 Comprehensive Examination 0
Total 10
` Total 47
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
42
Grambling State University
School of Nursing
Graduate Nursing Program
Nurse Educator Option
Clinical Focus: Maternal Child
Summer Semester Credit Hours
NUR 500 Advanced Writing Seminar (Prerequisite) 3
Fall Semester Credit Hours
NUR 501 Advanced Nursing Science Theory 3
NUR 505 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
NUR 540 Advanced Health Assessment 3
Total 9
Spring Semester
NUR 503 Advanced Nursing Research 3
NUR 530 Educational Foundations 3
NUR 535 Nurse Educator Role 1
NUR 552 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics 3
Total 10
Summer Semester
NUR 507 Issues and Trends in Nursing 2
NUR 532 Curriculum Development 3
Total 5
Fall Semester
NUR 510 Women’s Health Topics 4
NUR 534 Teaching Methodologies 3
NUR 590 Thesis 3
Total 10
Spring Semester
NUR 512 Pediatric Health Topics 4
NUR 536 Practicum in Nursing Education 3
NUR 590 Thesis 3
NUR 599 Comprehensive Examination 0
Total 10
Total 47
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
43
Catalog Descriptions for Master of Science in Nursing Degree
NUR 500 Writing Seminar for Professional Nurses
An introduction to writing skills for nurses at the graduate school level. Emphasis will be
placed on interpretive, analytical, and evaluative thinking and writing skills. This is a preparatory
course for writing required in nursing papers submitted for publication, research projects, and
thesis. Prerequisite: Admission to the School of Nursing Graduate Program.
NUR 501 Advanced Nursing Science Theory
Explores philosophical and theoretical foundations of nursing. Focuses on analysis of
selected theories and concepts. 3 Hrs. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Nursing
Graduate Program and NUR 500
NUR 503 Advanced Research
Introduction to the concepts and process of research. Emphasis is placed on data analysis,
critique, utilization, as well as issues of reliability and validity of measurement, the ethics of
human inquiry, and the dissemination of findings. 3 Hr. Prerequisites: Admission to the School
of Nursing Graduate Program and NUR 500
NUR 505 Advanced Pathophysiology
Advanced human pathophysiological concepts in systems such as cardiovascular,
pulmonary, neurologic, renal, and digestive. Emphasis on mechanisms producing clinical
manifestations for selected disease syndromes. 3 Hrs. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of
Nursing Graduate Program.
NUR 507 Issues and Trends in Nursing Practice
Explores and evaluates contemporary issues and trends relevant to nursing practice.
Emphasis is placed on issues and trends related to roles of the professional nurse prepared at the
master’s level with exploration of current changes in the health care system. Prerequisite:
Admission the School of Nursing Graduate Program and NUR 530, NUR 535
NUR 510 Women’s Health
Analysis of theoretical foundations and clinical concepts necessary for advanced nursing
practice with female clients at risk for experiencing alterations in physiologic health. Includes
directed field study time in a selected health care area. Prerequisite: NUR 505, NUR 540, NUR
530, NUR 535, NUR 552, NUR 507, NUR 532
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
44
NUR 512 Pediatric Health
Emphasis on prevention, monitoring, and restoring health for pediatric clients. Clinical
experiences occur in various health care settings with approved preceptor. Prerequisite: NUR
505, NUR 540, NUR 530, NUR 535, NUR 552, NUR 507, NUR 532, NUR 510 Co-requisite:
NUR 536 , NUR 599
NUR 514 Adult Health I
Analysis of theoretical foundation and clinical concepts necessary for advanced nursing
practice of adult and geriatric clients. Includes directed field study time in a selected health care
area. Prerequisite: NUR 505, NUR 540, NUR 530, NUR 535, NUR 552, NUR 507, NUR 532
Co-requisite: NUR 534
NUR 516 Adult Health II
Emphasis on prevention, monitoring, and restoring health for adult and geriatric clients.
Clinical experiences occur in various health care settings with an approved preceptor.
Prerequisite: NUR 505, NUR 501, NUR 540, NUR 503, NUR 552, NUR 530, NUR 535, NUR
514 Co-requisite: NUR 536, NUR 599
NUR 530 Educational Foundations for Nurse Educators
This course explores the theoretical foundations of education with particular emphasis on
the education of nursing students. Lectures, seminars, case studies, and simulations are planned
to provide the student with theories, methods, and issues relevant to nursing education.
Prerequisite: Admission to the School of Nursing Graduate Program, NUR 501, NUR 505, NUR
540 Co-requisite: NUR 503, NUR 552, NUR 535
NUR 532 Curriculum Development for Nurse Educators
The focus of this seminar course is the exploration of curricular process within nursing
education and its application to a variety of programs in nursing education. Seminar focuses on
application of curriculum theory to curriculum formation, revision, to study and the application
of conceptual frameworks within the curriculum. Prerequisite: NUR 501,NUR 505, NUR 540,
NUR 503, NUR 552, NUR 530, NUR 535 Co-requisite: NUR 507
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
45
NUR 534 Teaching Methodologies in Nursing
Designed to provide teachers with skills and competencies based on research findings on
effective teaching and instruction related to promotion of student academic achievement.
Includes identifying, developing, and practicing instructional variables that effect teacher
performance and student learning tasks. Prerequisite: NUR 501, NUR 540, NUR 503, NUR 552,
NUR 530, NUR 535, NUR 507, NUR 532 Co-requisite: NUR 510 or 514, NUR 590
NUR 535 Nurse Educator Role
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the role of the nurse educator in a
variety of health care settings, including higher educational settings and various health care
settings as nursing educational coordinator roles. The historical perspectives of nursing education
are explored, as well as current and future practice trends. Prerequisite: Admission to the School
of Nursing Graduate Program. Pre-requisite: NUR 501, NUR 505, NUR 540 Co-requisite: NUR
530.
NUR 540 NP: Advanced Health Assessment
This course is designed to provide students with the theoretical and clinical basis for
advanced practice in the primary care of pediatric, adult, and geriatric clients. Emphasis is placed
on the prevention of illness and detection of acute and chronic illness for family populations.
Clinical experiences occur in primary and long term care settings. 3 hr. Two hours lecture, one
hour clinical. Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Nursing Graduate Program, NUR 500
NUR 541 Nurse Practitioner Role I
Introduction to the legal and ethical role of the family nurse practitioner. Includes
philosophy, objectives, and conceptual framework of practice, as well as analysis of current
trends in the role of the nurse practitioner. 1 Hr. Prerequisite: Admission to the School of
Nursing Graduate Program, NUR 500
NUR 542 NP: Advanced Health Management I
Building on NUR 540, students are enabled to make appropriate clinical judgments in the
health care management for adult and geriatric clients. Emphasis is on monitoring, preventing,
and restoring health for populations in rural and urban settings. Clinical experiences occur in
primary health care settings with approved preceptors. 4 Hr. Two hours lecture, two hours
clinical. Prerequisite: NUR 540
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
46
NUR 544 NP: Advanced Health Management II
Building on NUR 542, this course enables students to make appropriate clinical
judgments in the health care management of women. Clinical experiences occur in primary
health care settings with approved preceptors. 4 Hr Two hours lecture, two hours clinical.
Prerequisite: NUR 542
NUR 546 NP: Advanced Health Management III
A continuation of NUR 544 with emphasis on role identification of the family nurse
practitioner in providing health care management for infants and children. Clinical experiences
occur under the direction of an approved preceptor in primary health care settings. 6 Hr. Two
hours lecture, four hours clinical. Prerequisite: NUR 544
NUR 547 NP: Role II
Evaluation of the roles of the advanced clinician with development of strategies for
transition to post graduate practice environments. 1 Hr. Prerequisite: NUR 500, NUR 501, NUR
505, NUR 540, NUR 541, NUR 542, NUR 503, NUR 552, NUR 544, NUR 553 Co-requisite:
NUR 546
NUR 548 NP: Advanced Health Management IV
A continuation of NUR 546 with emphasis on the role acquisition of the family nurse
practitioner in providing health care for clients of various ages across the life span. The focus of
the student in this course includes monitoring and evaluation of quality health care practice, as
well as integration of organizational systems and management guidelines in the primary care of
individuals. Clinical experiences provide the student with the opportunity to demonstrate
assimilation of the dimensions of advocate, case manager, and leader. 7 Hr. Two hours lecture,
five hours clinical. Prerequisite: NUR 500, NUR 501, NUR 505, NUR 540, NUR 541, NUR 542,
NUR 503, NUR 552, NUR 544, NUR 553NUR 546
NUR 552 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
A study of the pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics of drugs used in the
management of acute and chronic medical conditions. Alternative drug therapies will be
appraised. 3 Hr. Prerequisite: NUR 505, NUR 501, NUR 540
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
47
NUR 553 Health Policy for Families & Communities
This course is designed to explore content related to current health care policy and its
impact on family dynamics and community and rural health care resources. Health care delivery
systems, health economics, and health policy are evaluated in regards to their impact on the
family unit and the rural and underserved communities. Students engage in community and
family assessments, agency visits, and review of current literature on the topic. 3 Hr.
Prerequisite: NUR 503
NUR 550 Independent Study
An independent study which allows an individual an opportunity to secure additional
practice or experience to refine clinical practice abilities or gain additional nurse content. 1, 2, or
3 Hr. Prerequisite: Admission to the School of Nursing Graduate Program and advisor approval.
NUR 572 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Advanced Health Management I 4
A continuation of NUR 540 with emphasis on role identification of the pediatric nurse
practitioner in providing health care promotion and supervision for children from birth through
adolescence. Students continue to enhance the professional role competencies of the advanced
nurse practitioner and refine skills in the management of health promotion and supervision.
Clinical experiences occur under the direction of an approved preceptor in pediatric and primary
health care settings. 4 Semester hours. Two hours lecture, two hours clinical. Prerequisite: NUR
540
NUR 574 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Advanced Health Management II 4
A continuation of NUR 572 with emphasis on role identification of the pediatric nurse
practitioner in understanding principles of growth and development across the lifespan and to
provide health care to children from birth through adolescence. Students continue to enhance the
professional role competencies of the advanced nurse practitioner and refine skills in the
management of health promotion and supervision. Clinical experiences occur under the direction
of an approved preceptor in pediatric and primary health care settings. 4 Semester hours. Two
hours lecture, two hours clinical. Prerequisite: NUR 572
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P.O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax (318) 274-3491
48
NUR 576 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Advanced Health Management III 6
A continuation of NUR 574 with emphasis on role identification of the pediatric nurse
practitioner in providing health care management of children with acute and common illnesses.
Students continue to enhance the professional role competencies of the advanced nurse
practitioner and refine skills in the management of client wellness and illness states. Clinical
experiences occur under the direction of an approved preceptor in pediatric and primary health
care settings. 6 Semester hours - Two hours lecture, four hours clinical. Prerequisite: NUR 574
Co-requisite: NUR 547
NUR 578 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Advanced Health Management IV 7
A continuation of NUR 576 with emphasis on role identification of the pediatric nurse
practitioner in providing health care management to children with chronic illness. Students
continue to enhance the professional role competencies of the advanced nurse practitioner and
refine skills in the management of client wellness and illness states. Clinical experiences occur
under the direction of an approved preceptor in pediatric and primary health care settings. 7
Semester hours. Two hours lecture, five hours clinical. Prerequisite: NUR 576
NUR 580 Research Project
Integration of theoretical and empirical knowledge in the development of a research
project related to rural or urban health care needs for the nurse practitioner. 3 Hr. Prerequisite:
NUR 500, NUR 503
NUR 590 Thesis
Integration of theoretical and empirical knowledge in the development of a thesis. Course
may be continued once for credit. 3 Hr. Prerequisite: NUR 500, NUR 503.
NUR 599 Comprehensive Examination
Written examination which encompasses integration of knowledge base of master’s level
of graduate nursing education. Co-requisite: NUR 548 (for NP program), or NUR 578 (for PNP
program) or NUR 512 or 516 and NUR 536 (for Nurse Educator)
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P. O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax
(318) 274-3491
49
Grambling State University SCHOOL OF NURSING
Grievance/Problem/ Reactive Comment FORM
Complete and place in sealed envelope. Please deliver form to appropriate person. FROM: _________________________________ DATE :_______________
COURSE: _________________________________
MSN Nursing ________
Grievance/Problem/Reactive comment (Use the back of this page if additional space is needed). _____________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Proposed solutions (List three solutions by priority of importance…one being most important, etc.)
1. _______________________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________________ 2. _______________________________________________________________________________
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3. _______________________________________________________________________________
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Approved/Disapproved Option Date Comments
Faculty _______ _______ ___________________
___________________
Level Chair _______ _______ ___________________
___________________
Dean _______ _______ ___________________
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Vice President of _______ _______ ___________________
Academic Affairs ___________________
President _______ _______ ___________________
Grambling State University School of Nursing, P. O. Box 1192, Grambling, Louisiana 71245, Telephone (318) 274-2672, Fax
(318) 274-3491
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